Editing Network topology (section)

===Point-to-point===
{{main article|Point-to-point (telecommunications)}}
The simplest topology with a dedicated link between two endpoints. Easiest to understand, of the variations of point-to-point topology, is a point-to-point [[communication channel]] that appears, to the user, to be permanently associated with the two endpoints. A child's [[tin can telephone]] is one example of a ''physical dedicated'' channel.

Using [[circuit-switching]] or [[packet-switching]] technologies, a point-to-point circuit can be set up dynamically and dropped when no longer needed. Switched point-to-point topologies are the basic model of conventional [[telephony]].

The value of a permanent point-to-point network is unimpeded communications between the two endpoints. The value of an on-demand point-to-point connection is proportional to the number of potential pairs of subscribers and has been expressed as [[Metcalfe's Law]].